Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with Mediterranean Chicken Patties – a dish that packs big flavor into every juicy, golden bite! These patties balance the tangy zing of sun-dried tomatoes with salty bits of feta, fragrant herbs, and tender ground chicken, all coming together in a perfect handheld meal. They’re effortlessly simple yet taste like something you’d order at a seaside taverna. Whether you serve them up for family dinners or prep ahead for tasty lunches, Mediterranean Chicken Patties are a game changer for anyone who loves fresh, vibrant cuisine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is chosen for a reason – with just a handful of Mediterranean staples, you get color, texture, and loads of taste in each patty. Don’t worry, you likely have most of these in your kitchen, and each one plays a key part in making these patties a weeknight favorite.
- Ground chicken: The lean, mild base that makes the patties moist and lets the other flavors shine.
- Red onion: Adds a hint of sweetness and a subtle crunch alongside the savory chicken.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Bring a pop of tangy, concentrated tomato flavor that’s totally irresistible.
- Feta cheese: Classic Mediterranean! Adds creamy, salty bursts throughout each bite.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the patties, balancing richness and giving a burst of green color.
- Oregano: Earthy and aromatic – use fresh for extra punch, but dried works beautifully too.
- Garlic: An essential for Mediterranean flavor that gives depth and warmth to the patties.
- Egg: Acts as the binder, ensuring the patties hold together perfectly.
- Breadcrumbs: Give structure and soak up the juices for a tender, never-dry result.
- Salt: Just enough to draw out every savory nuance from the chicken and cheese.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle bit of heat to lift the bright Mediterranean herbs.
- Olive oil: For pan-frying, it gives each patty that golden, slightly crispy crust.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Patties
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients Together
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, parsley, oregano, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Don’t be afraid to use your hands – mixing thoroughly ensures every bite has a bit of everything. The mixture should be firm but easy to shape, holding together with a slight stickiness from the egg and breadcrumbs. If it’s a bit too loose, add a touch more breadcrumbs until perfect.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
With clean hands, divide the mixture into 6 equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a round patty about ¾-inch thick. Try not to press too hard; a light touch helps keep the patties juicy. Place the shaped patties onto a plate or tray as you go, making sure they’re evenly sized for even cooking.
Step 3: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully add the patties and let them sizzle, undisturbed, for 4 to 5 minutes on the first side until deeply golden. Flip gently and cook the second side for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until beautifully browned and the center reaches 165°F (74°C). The aroma will let you know you’re doing it right!
Step 4: Serve and Savor
Transfer the hot Mediterranean Chicken Patties to a plate and serve immediately while they’re juicy and steamy. Top with your favorite sauce, tuck into a pita, or let them shine atop a simple salad – their versatility is half the fun.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Patties
Garnishes
The right garnish makes these beauties pop! Go classic and dollop some cool, creamy tzatziki over your Mediterranean Chicken Patties, or scatter extra crumbled feta and fresh parsley on top. A squeeze of lemon uplifts all the flavors and adds that sunny Mediterranean sparkle every time.
Side Dishes
Mediterranean Chicken Patties play well with just about everything. Pair with a big Greek salad tossed with cucumber, olives, and tomatoes, or pile next to roasted vegetables and fluffy couscous. Warm pita triangles and a scoop of hummus never hurt either! These sides turn your meal into a true Mediterranean feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For fun presentation, slide patties onto skewers for mini sliders, or assemble them into a vibrant bowl over greens and grains. You can even use small patties for a mezze platter centerpiece. They taste fantastic inside a pita with crisp lettuce and a swipe of yogurt sauce – handheld and perfect for picnics or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover Mediterranean Chicken Patties into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They make excellent meal-prep proteins, staying juicy and flavorful even after chilling. Enjoy them cold, or reheat for that fresh-off-the-skillet taste.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooked or uncooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash-freeze until firm. Then, stack them between parchment in a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months – just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating or cooking.
Reheating
The fastest way to bring your Mediterranean Chicken Patties back to life is to warm them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, or reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too – just cover with a damp paper towel for best results so they stay moist.
FAQs
Can I make Mediterranean Chicken Patties ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can shape the patties up to a day in advance and refrigerate them, tightly covered, until you’re ready to cook. This is perfect for busy nights or easy entertaining with minimal effort at dinnertime.
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute for ground chicken, though the flavor will be slightly different. Just be sure to use turkey with a bit of fat (not all breast) to prevent dryness.
How do I make these gluten-free?
You can swap the breadcrumbs for finely ground almond flour or your favorite gluten-free binder. The results are every bit as tender and flavorful, with all the same Mediterranean flair!
What dipping sauces pair well with these patties?
You can never go wrong with classic tzatziki, but try pairing Mediterranean Chicken Patties with hummus, baba ganoush, or even a drizzle of lemon-garlic aioli for something special.
Can I bake Mediterranean Chicken Patties instead of frying?
Definitely! Arrange the patties on a lined baking sheet, lightly brush or spray with olive oil, and bake at 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway. They’ll emerge golden and delicious with less hands-on time.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sharing a platter of these Mediterranean Chicken Patties with people you love! They’re easy, full of flavor, and perfect for just about any occasion. Give them a try and let your kitchen feel a little more like your own private Mediterranean getaway.
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Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 patties 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Mediterranean Chicken Patties are bursting with flavor from sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and a blend of herbs. Juicy and delicious, these patties are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Patties:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano (or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, parsley, oregano, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into 6 patties of equal size.
- Cook Patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with tzatziki, salad, or in pita bread.
Notes
- For a low-carb version, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
- These patties can also be cooked in an air fryer or on a grill pan for a different texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
